Correct: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (Romans 13:1-3)
However, it must be said that in accordance with Scripture the state is not the sure standard for faith and morality in any nation, and thus in cases of conflict btwn the state and Scripture (which is not the case here) conscientious dissent is valid. The church as well as America began under that premise.
And the state should never have to do what the church is to do in disciplining its members, and it is a sad day when it must. And when the church protects those it is to prosecute then the state must. But which has its own dangers, fostering the size of government, which tends to end of taking a mile when given an meter.
In countries like China, Indonesia, etc.false charges can easily be lodged and are, as was in the case of Christ. In addition, its laws can vary, and governments themselves can be engaged in systemic rapes etc. Thus what it says cannot be the sure standard, nor what it does.
The key point to consider is whether or not the organization (the church, a school, a college, the boy scouts) is doing the “right” thing is if their first call after their lawyer and boss is to the police.
No: the church is not a secular school, and Scripturally the first call is to quickly and honestly take the charge seriously, call the eyewitnesses and determine whether they are true or false, and execute judgment accordingly, as i previously expressed.
Now, I dare anyone to do a search for Predatory Priests serving time. The number arrested and convicted is tiny. The amount of cases settled is huge.
Which church has been know to protect those it should have internally prosecuted for these transgressions against persons, publicly rebuking guilty pastors and defrocking them. And as said, since it did not function as it should then the state must do so.
Which church has been know to protect those it should have internally prosecuted for these transgressions against persons, publicly rebuking guilty pastors and defrocking them. And as said, since it did not function as it should then the state must do so.
Church has a lot of different meanings. The historical Visible and Invisible church are a pretty good way to look at things. The Visible Protestant church is next on the chopping block.
So, back to the remnant. Who the remnant are is God’s domain. If we are part of the remnant, what is the proper response?
I have often wondered what the individual responses were when the Prophet stood up and said, “you are going to be captured and carried away.”
If I rape a boy in the back seat of my car, I get caught, arrested, tried, and sent to jail.
Why is that not the same with these guys? My employer would not get involved in an investigation and “judge” whether or not it worth going to the police.
They are people. They are NOT special. Why do they feel as though they are?